April 11, 2023 — Carmel

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Meet the North Central District primary candidates

Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Three candidates are facing off in the May 2 Republican primary for the North Central District seat on the Carmel City Council. The winner will face Democrat Courtney Culver in the November general election.

Incumbent Teresa Ayers, who joined the council in January after being appointed by a caucus; Leah York, founder and owner of Talbott Talent; and Chuck Ford, a former teacher at Carmel High School, answered the following questions from Current. Read the full Q&As at youarecurrent.com

Carmel is often criticized for its debt load. Do you believe Carmel has too much debt? Why or why not?

Ayers: I believe it has been confirmed that, yes, Carmel has too much debt. However, when debt is used wisely and managed properly, the city can benefit. Carmel’s debt is approximately $1.5 billion. This means debt is $17,000 for every man, woman and child living in Carmel. With an impending recession, Carmel should focus on paying down our debt and improving our credit rating.

York: When Carmel’s debt load is viewed as part of the city’s overall financial health, I do not feel that the debt load is “too much.” Just like with a business or a household budget, when considering if taking on long-term debt is prudent, the ability to repay that debt must be a major factor. Carmel has been able to provide stability and growth by using borrowing as a tool, and the city has the revenue to be able to cover all of the debt service without raising taxes.

Ford: The current debt according to information the city provides the state is $1.5 billion. Local reports state that Carmel currently spends 20 per cent of its budget just to pay down debt and interest on that debt. According to Craig Johnson, associate professor in Indiana’s School of Public & Environmental Affairs, the 5 to 10 percent range is a warning zone, and above 10 percent is very, very serious. It sounds like we have a debt problem.

How should the city balance redevelopment with maintaining the character of established areas?

Ayers: Throughout my campaign I have walked in many of our beautiful well-established neighborhoods. The constant theme throughout this experience was that the residents love their neighborhood and the city. However, there is concern regarding the constant increase in development and density. It is vital to maintain the greenspace we currently have and expand on it where we are able.

York: Overall, Carmel is doing a good job of using available land in an effective way. Where there are places that need higher density, we need to focus on building up and not out. Where there are places that single family homes are the best use, we need to support the development of high-quality homes and protect existing neighborhoods.

Ford: The development of the AT&T lot exemplifies how developers encroach on a long established neighborhood. In spite of zoning ordinances requiring new development not to exceed 35 feet in height next to a neighborhood, developers used appointed bureaucrats, non-elected CRC and government employees, to approve a six-story apartment complex adjacent to the Johnson subdivision. I believe in thoughtful development that respects the rights of long established neighborhoods.

The city has devoted 1 percent of its general fund to supporting local arts. Is this an appropriate amount and source?

Ayers: Local art in our community is valuable. It is a beautiful way to show appreciation to those in our community. However, art is in the eye of the beholder. At 1 percent of our total budget, perhaps it is time to rethink the value versus the cost.

York: In Carmel, the arts organizations that receive funding from the city provide much-needed services that otherwise would not be available. The arts also serve as a proven economic driver in Carmel. Because of the impact that it has on the culture of our community, I feel it is important for the city to continue providing that support.

Ford: I believe the city needs to reevaluate its spending priorities. The city is committed to spending $4 million a year to support the Palladium and over $1 million for a light show on the Palladium. They have spent an additional $6 million for other issues to support the Palladium. This is money spent that might be better spent on streets, fire protection, police protection

and senior citizens.

How do you think the city should handle diversity training?

Ayers: I have been knocking on many doors; we are a diverse community. We welcome one another regardless of race, religion or otherwise. I think we are all equal and we should include all individuals. God created us equal. Implementing a specific training only divides us.

York: Ensuring that Carmel’s employees have the education and awareness to understand the complex issues surrounding diversity in the community is something that should be a priority for the city. I support a solution that brings experts in to make sure that we always have the most up-to-date and effective diversity training in our city.

Ford: The city should follow state and federal laws regarding equal rights in this country. I don’t believe the city or the schools need to hire people to tell the public how they feel about other people. I was raised on the Golden Rule. That tells you how to treat others. Equity is not equality, there is a huge difference. Equity ignores the meritocracy that made this country the wealthiest most successful country in the world.

What should be the city’s role in supporting its senior citizen residents and their needs?

Ayers: This must be a top priority. Our senior citizens have helped grow Carmel into what it is today. We must provide the amenities and care they need and deserve, (including) ease of access into city buildings, available/dependable transportation and an activity center(s) where they have a say in what will benefit them and their needs.

York: Beyond partnering with local organizations to ensure that residents have access to the services that they want and need, we must continue to plan for more housing options. Many residents who are looking to downsize and stay in Carmel find that the price points available won’t let them do so.

Ford: Carmel spends zero money on senior citizens. PrimeLife, our senior center, is in a stressed financial situation, completely dependent on grants, donations and memberships. The city needs to reevaluate its current spending and fully fund a state of the art center. I have contacted state and federal officials seeking temporary grant assistance. Twice, I have met with a developer to explore his interest in building a senior center run by PrimeLife.

Candidates refute opponents’ claims of intimidation

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Two Republican candidates running in the Carmel municipal primary election say their campaigns have faced unexpected hurdles as a result of intimidating tactics used by opponents or their opponents’ supporters, an allegation vehemently denied by the other side.

ELECTION

City Councilor Sue Finkam, a mayoral candidate, first publicly made allegations against fellow city councilor and Republican mayoral candidate Kevin “Woody” Rider during a March 28 debate presented by Current in Carmel. At the event, she said she’d heard from several would-be supporters who told her Rider, should he win the election, threatened to withhold city contracts if they supported Finkam.

Finkam elaborated March 30 in an interview with Current on the allegations.

“I’ve had numerous professionals reach out and say, ‘Hey, we’d like to come to your event, but we can’t, because Kevin has called everyone in our office and said if we donate money to you, we’re not going to get any city contracts,” Finkam said. “It’s been very frustrating. I’m fine if someone says, ‘I want to put my money behind Candidate A, not Candidate B.’ I support the fact that it’s their money. They can do with it what they want. But when they say, ‘I would love to support you, but I’m afraid to do so because of a threat of not getting a contract,’ that’s a whole different ball game.”

Finkam declined to provide names of individuals or businesses that allegedly experienced the intimidation, stating that they were either protected by attorney/ client privilege or feared retaliation and loss of business if they came forward.

When reached by phone April 5, Rider declined to comment on the allegations. In a statement, however, he strongly refuted Finkam’s claims.

Continued on Page 4

Finkam Rider

A World to Explore,

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“The accusations made by my opponents are 100 percent false. I have never nor would I ever threaten a donor or vendor for any reason,” he stated. “It’s a shame that this campaign can’t be about the people of Carmel and the issues that matter. I commit to continue running a positive campaign.”

After Finkam first made the allegations at the debate, without identifying who was behind the threats, Rider used his time to explain that he tells donors he would return their checks if they were to ever ask for a favor, adding that he was going to keep his campaign “on a positive note” regarding anyone who says donors can buy his influence. He did not offer a rebuttal when Finkam used her rebuttal time to call him out by name.

“He didn’t address what would happen if people donate to me, so it was really a non-answer,” Finkam told Current. “Then he referenced doing a positive campaign, which I felt was a slap at me for bringing out his bad behavior.”

Finkam and Rider are running against Fred Glynn, a former Hamilton County councilor, in the Republican primary. Glynn said Finkam’s allegations are “disturbing, to say the least.”

“What this clearly represents is the status quo of how the mayor’s race has been funded for the past 28 years in our city,” Glynn stated. “Most certainly this is unethical and reflects why it is time for a qualified outsider candidate to be elected in Carmel.”

Concerned about ramifications

Carmel City Council candidate Jonathan Blake, a planner at V3 Companies, told Current on April 5 that his employer received calls threatening to withhold city contracts if Blake didn’t drop out of the race. The calls began, he said, after he made a last-minute switch from running in the North Central District to running in the at-large race.

“It is my understanding that my employer has received some negative pressure from individuals that don’t want me to be in the race. I don’t know who those individuals are,” Blake said. “It’s disheartening when you hear those kinds of comments made or statements made that give the impression that city contracts won’t be granted to certain organizations based on their political

affiliation.”

Blake said once he learned about the calls, he seriously considered dropping out of the race. He was out of the country at the time, however, and realized he wouldn’t be back in time to officially withdraw, which must be done within a week of the filing deadline. So he continued his campaign.

“I’m in the race, and I’m thankful that I’m in the race, but there is this hesitation,” Blake said. “I’m concerned that there could be other ramifications.”

Officials from V3 Companies did not respond to questions or provide comment on the allegations as of press time.

In the Republican primary, Blake is facing incumbent at-large Councilor Jeff Worrell, Clay Township Board member Matt Snyder and Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation Board President Rich Taylor for three atlarge seats. The top three candidates in the primary will advance to the general election.

‘Baseless claims’

In the week following Finkam’s allegations, Worrell released a video calling the accusations against Rider “completely false” and urged viewers to join him in voting for Rider on May 2.

Worrell, who is part of a slate of candidates that includes Rider and five others, told Current on April 5 that he and Finkam likely share some of the same donors, and he said he’s not come across anything to substantiate her allegations.

“I’m really disappointed at the mudslinging that has started in this mayoral race, in my opinion, with baseless claims,” Worrell said. “I’ve seen nothing that gives me any reason to think this is true. It’s absolutely false.”

Finkam, who joined the city council in 2012, said she has not experienced these types of tactics in any previous campaigns. She said the issue is one that should be a concern to all Carmel voters.

“Someone said to me that this is me trying to break up the boys club, but this is not about gender. Both men and women should be offended by that thought,” Finkam said. “This is about highlighting a really poisonous practice. And for me and my administration, the way you get a contract is you hire great people. You do good work, and you provide value to the taxpayers. It doesn’t matter what campaign (you support).”

Carmel’s Premier Retirement Community

Blake

Worrell

Rugby coach alleges nepotism, sexism motivated dismissal

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

school club rugby program is underway. We sincerely appreciate all her hard work and efforts during her tenure.”

Romano insisted she did not resign.

SPORTS

Kelly Romano couldn’t believe she was terminated as the Carmel High School girls rugby coach. Many of the parents in the club program couldn’t believe it, either.

More than 300 people have signed a petition to reinstate Romano as coach. Romano led the team to two state high school titles, the Rugby Indiana’s girls 7s (players) title in the fall of 2021 and the girls 15s in the spring of 2022.

Romano said she was informed by a Carmel Rugby Club board member March 16 she was being terminated.

“While I was speaking with the board member, an email went out to all parents and players informing them that I had stepped down,” Romano said. “The reasons they gave me were vague, at best, but I feel they were contrived. It is my opinion that my termination was carried out with nepotism and sexism as the core motivators.”

Romano said she was given some indication the termination came after Romano disagreed with a referee’s ruling in a Cincinnati tournament March 11. However, Romano was not given a yellow or red card.

Greg Thompson, a parent of a boys rugby player, was watching the game.

“I saw absolutely nothing to see that she was in violation of anything,” Thompson said. “She’s an excellent coach and we’re all flabbergasted.”

The board of directors would not directly respond to Romano’s assertions on why she was dismissed. The board released the following statement to Current in Carmel:

“The purpose of the Carmel Rugby Club is to develop and encourage good sportsmanship in our youth, parents, and coaches. We strive to develop programs that serve all players and foster an environment of fun, fitness, development, understanding, and love of the game of rugby. The club continues to strive toward excellence in competition on the pitch, while also ensuring necessary compliance with the policies, practices, and regulations set forth by the governing bodies including the US Center for SafeSport, World Rugby, USA Rugby, and Rugby Indiana. Our girls head coach Kelly Romano accepted an offer to resign, as such a new direction for the girls high

“Despite my credentials, the Carmel Rugby Board terminated my position, in violation of their own bylaws, because I yelled at a referee,” Romano said. “To be clear, I did yell at a referee, from the sideline, without using foul language or descending into belligerence. I thought he was making the wrong call and putting my players at unnecessary risk. I will be the first to admit that I can be combative especially when it pertains to my players’ safety. As a woman, I have found that the only way to be heard is by not shying away from conflict.”

After the game, she said she had a cordial conversation with the referee, and the other coach told her she agreed with her position regarding the call.

Romano said one of her other assistant coaches was told that she couldn’t continue coaching the high school girls for safety reasons.

“So, the two women in the entire Carmel rugby coaching staff were removed from their positions on the same day,” Romano said.

An email has been sent to Carmel Rugby Club parents requesting a special meeting be held, not before April 14, to discuss the board’s decision. The bylaws state a minimum of 15 days’ notice must be given to the members before a meeting.

Before this season, Romano had let an assistant coach go, who was previously president of the board.

“He did phenomenal things as president. It was just differences in coaching philos ophies,” Romano said. “He never played rugby, and I did.”

Romano said she speculates her dismiss al might have been retaliation for letting that coach go.

Most of the board members are parents of girls team members.

Romano said she is saddened by the situation.

“I don’t doubt that my chances of rein statement are slim to nonexistent, but I will not stop until those responsible for this are held accountable, or at the very least, the full truth is made available to everyone,” she said.

WHO WE ARE

Fishers junior baseball player seeks return to state title game

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Fishers High School junior pitcher/ outfielder Jack Brown’s goal for the baseball season is single-minded.

“The goal for this season is to win as many games as we can,” Brown said. “Every person on this team wants to be celebrating on Victory Field at the end of the year.”

Fishers lost to Jasper in the 2021 IHSAA Class 4A state championship baseball game at Victory Field in Indianapolis.

“Losing in 2021 was definitely tough, but the loss in the sectional championship in ’22 was more motivating,” Brown said. “Last year’s loss left a very bad taste in our mouth.”

At the plate, Brown hit .429 with 29 runs batted in last season. On the mound, he had a 5-2 record with a 2.89 ERA.

Through the first five games this season, Brown was hitting .538 and had a 1-0 record

MEET JACK BROWN

Favorite athlete: Gerrit Cole

Favorite subject: Oceanography

Favorite movie: “End of Watch”

Favorite musician: Lana Del Rey

with a 2.33 ERA.

Fishers coach Matthew Cherry said Brown gets better each year.

“He is obviously a very gifted and talented young man,” Cherry said. “He came in as a freshman already physically strong and ready to compete at a high level. Jack has a high baseball IQ and is very self-aware about his strengths and weaknesses and

PATIENT-CENTERED BRAIN AND SPINE CARE—CLOSE TO

try to do too much. He stays true to himself and hits line drives all over the field and allows extra-base hits to just happen.”

Brown said his biggest improvement has been becoming a better all-around baseball player.

“I made time to be a better pitcher, better hitter and I’ve gotten faster,” Brown said. “I love being a two-way player because I’m on the field every day. I like having an impact on the game in multiple ways, every time we play.”

Cherry said Brown has also grown as a leader.

about his own throwing and swing mechanics. Jack has really grown into a baseball player who can make adjustments to his swing and throwing mechanics at any point in the offseason, during the season, in the middle of a game, etc.

“He has always been a hitter who doesn’t

“He is very comfortable with who he is and has started to emerge as more of a vocal leader,” Cherry said. “His leadership is not so much of a ‘rah-rah’ kind of leadership as much as talking 1-on-1 with his teammates about their grips on their pitches or some tweaks guys could make in their swings. Jack does a good job of talking 1-on1 with his teammates, and together they’ve continued to learn and grow as players.”

Brown committed to the University of Louisville in the fall of 2021.

“Louisville checked all the boxes I was looking for in a place to go,” Brown said.

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Fishers High School junior Jack Brown had a 5-2 record last season. (Photo by Sharon McPeek)

Brown

Early voting sites open

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Early voting for the May 2 primary election is underway in Noblesville with additional polling sites in the count set to open soon.

Dates, times and locations are below: Judicial Center, One Hamilton County Square, Noblesville

• April 10-14 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• April 17-21 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• April 22 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• April 24-28 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• April 29 from 9 to 4:00 p.m.

• May 1 from 8 a.m. to noon

Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville

• April 10-14 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• April 17 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• April 24-29 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• May 1 from 8 a.m. to noon

Other locations, dates and times are as follows that will open April 19: Carmel

Wilfong Pavilion, 11675 Hazel Dell Parkway, Building A, Carmel

Jill Perelman Pavilion, 3000 W. 116th St.,

Carmel

• April 19-20 from 2 to 7 p.m.

• April 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 26-27 from 2 to 7 p.m.

• April 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fishers

Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building, 1 Park Drive, Fishers Billericay Park Building, 12690 Promise Road, Fishers

• April 19-20 from 2 to 7 p.m.

• April 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 26-27 from 2 to 7p.m.

• April 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Westfield

Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St., Westfield Cool Creek Nature Center, 2000-1 E. 151st St., Westfield

• April 19-20 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• April 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 26-27 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• April 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is April 20. The form can be submitted electronically at indianavoters.com. Individuals can also call 317-776-8476 and make a request for an application over the phone.

Carmel announces 2023 street repaving locations

or early May.

ELECTION

The City of Carmel Street Dept. has released its list of 2023 street paving projects, with work set to be done in the Eden Park, Buckhorn, Williams Mill, Guilford Park, Rosemeade Commons, Lexington Farms and Brookshire Village neighborhoods. Additional repaving will occur on Main Street, Illinois Street, 116th Street and 136th Street.

More than 40 miles of roads are scheduled for an upgrade this spring and summer as the street department kicks off its annual paving projects with a budget of $4 million to improve local thoroughfares. Some of the preliminary work has already begun with major paving set to begin in late April

CARMEL

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: Full closure at 106th Street and College Avenue

Expected completion: Early May

Each paving project begins with preliminary concrete and curb repairs that can take a few weeks to complete before the big job of milling the top surface of blacktop and repaving it with a new layer about 2 inches thick. Typical milling and paving projects take three to five days to complete and require lane restrictions.

“Our goal is to have all the pavement work done before school starts in the fall, with concrete street repairs lasting until November if needed,” stated Matt Higginbotham, Carmel street commissioner.

“Concrete work can be done later in the calendar year when the weather starts to turn colder.”

See a complete list of streets to be repaved at bit.ly/3KAsn5t.

FISHERS & INDY

Project: State Road 37

Improvement Project

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: The westbound lanes of City Center Drive will be closed between Range Line Road and 3rd Avenue SW for construction of the northern half of the roundabout. Eastbound traffic will be maintained.

Expected completion: Mid-May, with work on additional phases beginning at that time

Project: Widening and improvements, including a roundabout, along Smoky Row Road

Location: Between the Monon Greenway and U.S. 31. The road will be fully closed during the project.

Expected completion: June

Project: Multi-use path construction

Location: Gray Road from 106th to 116th streets. The project is not expected to result in a full closure of the road.

Expected completion: June

Project: Roundabout construction

Location: E. Main Street and Lexington Boulevard. Beginning on or after May 29, the intersection will close for completion of the project.

Expected completion: July 4

Location: SR 37 & 141st Street. A pre-construction phase is in place. During this phase, 141st Street will have a temporary right-in-right-out configuration.

Expected completion: The full timeline for the 141st Street interchange will be provided after project bids are accepted in the summer.

Project: I-465 and I-69 interchange

Location: New ramps will provide direct movements from eastbound I-465 and northbound I-465 to northbound I-69. Binford Boulevard will also be reconstructed to separate local traffic from traffic entering and exiting I-69 and I-465. Access to I-69 from Binford Boulevard will remain open.

Expected completion: Project lasts through 2024.

Project: Nickle Plate Trail

Location: The remaining paving work from 96th Street to 106th Street is underway, and construction crews are currently working to clear and prep the area for paving.

Expected completion: Fall.

Project: 2023 resurfacing

Location: ADA ramp and curb reconstruction is taking place in Rolling Knoll and will then begin in Spyglass Hills as part of the 2023 Resurfacing Project. Expected completion: July 2023.

Big Piano to visit Carmel Plane Pull to benefit charities

By Shelly Gattlieb news@currentincarmel.com

Republic Airways, which recently relocated its headquarters to Carmel, is preparing to present its 11th annual Plane Pull held in memory of Tyler Frenzel.

Frenzel was a Carmel resident who was granted a wish by Indiana Wish and passed away in 2004. Money raised through the Plane Pull will be donated to Indiana Wish, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, A Kid Again and Riley Hospital for Children. Tyler’s mother, Pam Frenzel, will attend.

Amy Arnell, an organizer of the event, said the fundraiser is two events in one. It will include a gala April 21 at Lucas Estate in Carmel, which will recognize sponsors and senior leadership.

“Lucas Oil is our presenting sponsor for the event, so it just naturally fell into place as the perfect venue for the gala, and Prime 47 will be catering the evening,” Arnell said.

On April 22, teams of 10 will compete at the Republic Airways Hangar on Hoffman Road in Indianapolis to pull one of the air-

crafts, with multiple prizes being awarded.

The day will include activities for people of all ages and team-building opportunities for corporate groups and families. Aviation tours will be offered for children and adults, during which guests can speak with pilots and flight attendants.

Indiana Wish has been a recipient charity of the event since its first year. The organization was founded in 1984 and has granted more than 3,500 wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout the state.

Learn more at IndianaWish.org.

By Mark Ambrogi  mark@youarecurrent.com

The Big Piano will make a visit to Carmel to create a buzz for the American Pianists Awards.

The Big Piano will be set up from 4 to 6 p.m. April 20 at Main Street and the Monon Trail in the Carmel Arts & Design District.

“It’s a 23-foot-long floor piano like was in the movie ‘Big,’” said Carmel resident Lee Clifford, who is director of marketing for the American Pianists Association. “We’re really looking forward to people just having fun on the piano. We haven’t done a lot of stuff historically in Carmel, so it’s fun for me to bring my job and my passion to my home area. Hopefully, we’ll get some more people aware of the awards. It’s the biggest jazz competition in the world and it’s based (in Indianapolis). It’s nice to introduce it to new people.”

The American Pianists Awards’ Gala Finals for jazz will be at 8 p.m. April 22 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. The presenting sponsor is Carmel-based REI Real Estate.

The awards are held every two years and alternate between jazz and classical.

The five finalists are Caelan Cardello, Esteban Castro, Paul Cornish, Thomas Linger and Isaiah J. Thompson. Clifford has produced livestream performances of each of the jazz pianists.

The winner will receive the Cole Porter Jazz Fellowship, cash and two years of career advancement and support valued at more than $200,000. For more, visit americanpianists.org/finals.

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Visitors test out the Big Piano at a previous American Pianists Awards event at the Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of APA)

Tyler Frenzel and his mother, Pam. (Photo courtesy of Beverly Smith)

Incest survivor to share story

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

For decades, Sherrie Allsup couldn’t bring herself to share details of her traumatic childhood in public.

FUNDRAISER

“Ten years ago, I attempted suicide, and after that failed attempt, I decided to take my power back,” Allsup said. “I had been in therapy for years, but I started a new therapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) that worked well for me. I was able to move some stuff stuck in my brain. I was able to reprocess them, and I began to live my life and take my power back.”

Allsup, now 61, was sexually abused by her father from around age 6 until she left her Kansas home at 17 to get away from him.

“When I finished my EMDR, that kicked me into telling my story,” Allsup said. “Statistically, only 7 percent of incest survivors go on to tell their story. We’re filled with guilt, shame and humiliation.”

Allsup will recount her story at the Indi-

ana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide’s Rise Up for Kids Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. April 27 at Ritz Charles in Carmel. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the event ends at 9 a.m. She said she shares her story to help others know they are not alone.

“I have found that people are very responsive to me,” Allsup said. “It doesn’t harm my mental health to tell my story over and over. As long as people keep inviting me, I’m going to keep going.”

This fundraiser is the sec ond-largest annually for the Carmel-based ICPYAS. This is the 14th annual Rise Up for Kids Breakfast. Admission is free.

“The primary purpose of the event is to create awareness,” said Melissa Peregrin, executive director of the center. “Not all people realize 1 in 10 children will be sexu ally abused before their 18th birthday. We don’t want it to be a depressing event. We want it to be a story of hope and resilience. There’s something so powerful about a survivor taking their story and using it to create change and do good in the world.”

For more, visit indianaprevention.org. For more on Allsup, visit sherrieallsup.com.

Mayoral candidate town hall — PrimeLife Enrichment, 1078 Third Ave. SW, will host a town hall meeting April 12 featuring the four candidates running for mayor of Carmel in this year’s municipal election. The event is scheduled for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room. The event is free and open to the public. Lunch served by Second Helpings will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. Learn more at primelifeenrichment.org or by calling 317-815-7000.

500 Festival seeks volunteers — The 500 Festival is seeking volunteers for to assist with more than 100 areas of volunteer opportunities throughout the month of May. More than 7,000 positions are available. Volunteer positions include handing out participant packets at the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo; distributing snacks and beverages along the course and at runner services for the OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K; hosting fourth-grade class study trips at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education program; and

escorting marching bands or greeting spectators and helping them find their seats as an usher for the AES 500 Festival Parade. Volunteers receive two tickets to Indy 500 qualifications, a volunteer T-shirt, a collector’s pin and an invitation to the 500 Festival’s Volunteer Appreciation Day hosted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 23. For more, visit 500Festival.com/Volunteer.

Learn about Christian Science healing – Nicole Virgil, a practitioner of Christian Science healing and public speaker, will present, “Be Set Free” at 7:30 p.m. April 14 at First Church of Christ, Scientist, 11580 Haverstick Rd. in Carmel. The program will focus on universal healing precepts found in the Holy Bible, especially in Christ Jesus’ life and teachings. The talk is free and open to the community.

Allsup

Spring Sensation returns April 29

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The first Spring Sensation to benefit the Coxhall Guild was deemed a great success. “We are hoping to make it a little bit better and a little bit bigger,” said Kimberly Shoemaker, event chair. “The theme for Spring Sensation is the many ways spring tickles our five senses.”

EVENT

The event is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 29 at Coxhall Mansion in Carmel.

“We are hosting 38 local women-owned small businesses, with a more diverse selection of businesses represented,” Shoemaker said. “The predominantly service-oriented businesses will create a tablescape design promoting their business offerings in the form of inspirations for entertaining for your springtime events, in the conference room. The predominantly goods-oriented businesses will be located in the balance of the mansion, giving our event guests the opportunity to shop for truly unique handcrafted items.”

There also will be an opportunity to sample Savories & Sweets in the mansion’s

third-floor ballroom from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s principal harpist, Melanie Mashner, will perform.

“We offer spring-inspired finger sandwiches and a variety of delicious desserts from local bakery shops, as well as items donated by a few of our vendors,” Shoemaker said.

All funds raised by the event go directly to the Coxhall Estate Guild.

The $25 tickets can be purchased at friendsofhamiltoncountyparks. org/2023-events.

From left, Buffy Layton, owner of Blush Love Flora, left, and Coxhall Guild member Carolyn Griffin at 2022 Spring Sensation. (Photo courtesy of Coxhall Guild)

Author writes tales of Vietnam tunnels, flower receipts

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Jack Flowers joked he only writes books about love and war.

BOOKS

Flowers, who graduated from Fishers High School in 1963, wrote a book called “Flowers: A Love Story,” which was released last year. His previous novel, “Rat Six,” is based on his personal experiences as a tunnel rat in Vietnam. It came out four years ago. After many years away, Flowers returned to Fishers earlier this year. After spending some time with his sister, he recently found a place to live in Carmel.

“I’m coming home to the roots and will probably stay,” he said.

Flowers’ epistolary novel is told in floral receipts about a girl who was born in 1935 in Boston and a boy born in 1941 in St. Louis. It follows their lives for 40 years.

The idea for the book has been bouncing around in Flowers’ head for years.

“When I was 17, my high school sweetheart dumped me,” he said. “I was distraught, and I was going to get her back. I went to McNamara Florist and bought one long-stemmed rose, which cost 50 cents and a box cost 25 cents. He was writing out a receipt. I said my name was Jack Flowers and he kind of giggled. When I was leaving, he said to the guy with him, ‘You run into all kinds of crazy people at this place.’ He didn’t believe my name was Flowers.”

Through the years, Flowers had ordered flowers, and they always asked his name. He said there was often the same giggle. So, he had the idea to tell a story through receipts.

“The receipts are facsimiles, and the story is told through the letters that might accompany a bouquet of flowers,” he said.

Flowers researched what the receipts looked like by contacting the company in Michigan that had been making the receipts for a number of years.

“It took me years to find the right kind of artist. She had to be a graphic artist as well as an artist,” he said of his illustrator. “The receipts and illustrations complement the events.”

Flowers was the leader of the First Infantry Division of the tunnel rats — who performed underground search-and-destroy missions — during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969.

His code name was Rat Six. Flowers was a graduate of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“We were engineers with demolition capabilities,” Flowers said. “After we cleared the tunnels, we destroyed them as much as we could.”

Flowers said he had a tough time when he got back from Vietnam, so writing out his history was cathartic.

Flowers was approached by British authors Tom Mangold and John Penycate, who were writing a book about tunnel warfare in Vietnam when he was working as a stockbroker in Philadelphia. The book was released in 1985. Flowers had written many of the after-action reports during the war and was the battalion historian.

“When John Penycate found me, he found a plethora of information,” Flowers said. “I had 700 typed pages from my own research.”

“60 Minutes” and Life Magazine picked up on it.

Flowers and five other tunnel rats were interviewed by Morley Safer by ’60 Minutes.” MGM considered making a movie, but it never happened.

“I say I had more than my 15 minutes of fame because the ’60 Minutes’ interview lasted 24 minutes,” he said.

Years later, he finally turned his own history into a book.

“I’ve changed most of the names to protect the innocent as well as the guilty,” he said.

For more, visit ratsix.com and flowersalovestory.com.

Jack Flowers holds copies of his two books, “Rat Six” and “Flowers: A Love Story.” (Photo courtesy of Mark Ambrogi)

FETCHING FOLLOWERS

Instagram account featuring Carmel retrievers sparks joy, friendships nationwide

By Chris Bavendar news@currentincarmel.com

When the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, most programs and events came to a sudden halt. For Melanie Claymon, that meant her work with Paws & Think — a nonprofit focusing on the at-risk community, both human and canine — was put on hold.

“This was exactly the kind of work I had always dreamed of doing,” Claymon said. “Seeing how much benefit my son received from our dogs encouraged me to want to give more individuals the opportunity to reap those benefits.”

It also led to the creation of the @3retrievers Instagram page, which has grown from something Claymon initially thought was a “silly idea” to an account with 118,000 followers.

Before the pandemic began, Claymon, a Carmel resident, had three dogs, Georgia, Archie and Katie.

“Katie passed away suddenly from hemangiosarcoma in November 2019, and I wasn’t planning on getting another puppy right away,” she said. “But I was helping a friend find a golden (retriever) and was referred to this incredible breeder who had two puppies available.”

Oakley joined the family in February 2020 and became a therapy dog in 2021.

Claymon had been posting pictures and videos of Oakley on her personal Instagram and had several friends suggest she create an account just for her dog content.

“At first, I didn’t think it would be successful,” Claymon said. “But the more I thought about it, I realized it would give me the opportunity to spread cheer to individuals during this stressful time as well as give me a place to document all of the special moments with my pups.”

Since beginning the account, Claymon has gotten another golden retreiver, Winston.

“When we added Winston to the gang in January 2022, I debated changing our handle, but we already had established 25,000 followers at the time, so I decided to keep it ‘the3retrievers,’” she said.

Claymon acknowledges she didn’t have a strategy when she first started the page.

“I had no idea what I was doing — I just

posted cute and funny content and waited to see how it did,” Claymon said. “However, as I began gaining followers, I found myself wanting to do better. I was inspired

by the well-known dog accounts such as @tuckerbudzyn and @agoldennamedkevin so I started doing research and learning from other similar pages.”

INSTANT FRIENDS

The best piece of advice she received: “Spend time engaging with other accounts and you will grow organically.” The first big feature Claymon received was about six months after she created the page.

“I gained about 5,000 followers in one week,” she said. “Having more followers helped us get future features and brand ambassador positions with dog product businesses.”

Claymon believes she still would have eventually created her account even if COVID-19 hadn’t shut everything down.

“In the end, I just hope people will continue to find joy in watching our dogs’ journey through my lens and will gain insights into the benefits of the human-dog connection.”

Learn more at instagram.com/ the3retrievers.

ON THE COVER: Melanie Claymon with her four retrievers, clockwise from right, Archie, Georgia, Oakley and Winston. (Photo by Adam Seif)

Melanie Claymon’s Instagram account featuring her pups led her to a like-minded friend with ties to the area. It began when she saw the account @indy.on.insta, which featured another golden retriever.

“Of course, the name Indy grabbed my attention. I read their bio and saw they lived in Washington, D.C., but I was curious and sent them a DM asking if they happened to be from Indianapolis,” Claymon said. “This is how I met Cristina Reinbold. She told me her husband is from Carmel, so they did name Indy after his hometown.”

That one DM led to more conversations, and then a friendship.

“We bonded over mutual Carmel connections and similarities between our dogs and our love for them. Melanie’s Instagram account is funny and sweet,” Reinbold said. “Also, having four dogs under one roof makes her account unique and full of content. Her dogs are always doing something cute or hilarious. Each one has their own distinct personality and their own distinct relationship with one another.”

bond online was organic and exciting. It was so fun to meet her and her dogs, and it was special to know that a friendship formed online can be just as genuine as one formed in person,” Reinbold said. “Essentially, we picked up in-person right where we left off online. Our conversation flowed easily, and we had a blast getting photos and videos of our dogs (to post on Instagram, of course).”

“Melanie was one of the first people I spoke to when we got the diagnosis. She comforted me, and we cried together on the phone,” Reinbold said.

After learning of a potential cure — a bone marrow stem cell transplant done at North Carolina State Veterinary Hospital in Raleigh, N.C., — the first step was finding Indy a bone marrow stem cell donor.

During Reinbold’s search she and Claymon compared their dogs’ breeding lines and discovered that two of Claymon’s dogs, Archie and Oakley, were relatives of Indy. Testing, however, revealed they weren’t a match.

Claymon said it quickly felt like they were “old friends.”

“We immediately bonded over our passion for goldens,” Claymon said. “We’ve had several more get-togethers with the dogs since then, and we communicate frequently.”

Unfortunately, Indy was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma at age 3 in September 2022.

“She went further and posted step-bystep photos depicting the testing experience in an effort to encourage others to participate. We ultimately tested 35 dogs and found Indy a genetically identical donor,” Reinbold said. “Melanie’s involvement in Indy’s donor search meant everything to me and, I think, played a significant role in its success. She understands how much Indy means to my husband and I because her dogs mean the same to her and her family.”

2022 when Reinbold was in Carmel to visit family for the holidays.

Cristina Reinbold and her golden retriever, Indy. (Photo courtesy of Cristina Reinbold)

From left, Melanie Claymon, holding Winston, and Cristina Reinbold in January 2022. (Photo courtesy of Melanie Claymon)

QC Kinetix opens in Carmel

By Edward Redd news@currentincarmel.com

QC Kinetix, which specializes in natural healing, has opened a clinic in Carmel at 13450 N. Meridian St., Suite 244. The franchise is coowned by Mike Sample and Drew White.

According to Sample, when the body suffers an injury, its natural response is to call healing agents such as proteins, blood platelets and stem cells to the injured area.

“That’s how your body goes about healing itself,” Sample said.

NOW OPEN

Medical technicians at QC Kinetix practice regenerative medicine, using only what occurs naturally in the body to help relieve pain.

“All we do is concentrate those ingredients in a centrifuge, isolate them from the rest of the plasma and other stuff that your body doesn’t need,” Sample said. “We concentrate (it) and put it exactly where your body is asking.”

QC Kinetix has used natural healing to help patients get relief from pain in the knees, shoulders and other joints. It can also help regrow hair.

Natural healing has been around in other nations for decades, Sample said, and in the U.S., it is being adopted more often as patients see its effectiveness.

In addition to the Carmel location, Sample and White own QC Kinetix clinics in Greenwood and Eagle Highlands in Indianapolis. Learn more at qckinetix.com/indianapolis/ carmel.

Vision tech Part 3: MD screenings

Commentary by Dr. Kim Hall

In this third (and final) column exploring pre-testing equipment at the optometrist’s office, we would like to uncover two more tests you may encounter. Both are significant in detecting early forms of macular degeneration and other ocular diseases.

OPTOMETRY

Another flicker/clicker-type machine now exists, similar to the visual field I wrote about last week. It is called the macular pigment optical density tester, or MPOD. This flicker varies in intensity, is circular and is mostly in the center of your field of view. It is measuring the amount of protective pigment you have in your macula based on the sensitivity at which you can detect various wavelengths of light.

This is very important to know as we have learned that blue light coming from all our devices may also be damaging to our eyes. The sun is no longer the only offend-

er! When this value starts decreasing, we must consider measures to boost up the good pigment that absorbs these harmful high energy short wavelengths of the light spectrum. Similar to sunscreen, the more pigment and protection we have, the better.

Here’s a fancy name for another pre-test: optical coherence tomography. This machine has been around for some time now but was mainly utilized by specialists during diagnosis and treatment of many eye diseases. It allows the retina, and other structures of the eye, to be viewed cross sectionally at a microscopic level.

It is now becoming standard of care, and OCT may even become part of the screening process in your pre-test room.

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Dr. Kim Hall is an optometrist at RevolutionEYES. She graduated from Purdue University in 1999 and the Indiana University School of Optometry in 2005.

From left, QC Kinetix co-owner Mike Sample and employees Diana Miller, Hanna Lee and Rachael White. (Photo by Edward Redd)

20% OFF*

City employee set to become living organ donor — again

By Ann Marie Shambaugh AnnMarie@youarecurrent.com

Four years ago, David McCartney donated one of his kidneys to a stranger, but his altruism didn’t end there.

GIVING BACK

Soon, he expects to donate approximately 70 percent of his liver to another person he doesn’t know, making him one of a select few in the U.S. to become a living kidney and liver donor.

And, if that’s not enough, he’s done this while chasing a goal to run an ultramarathon in all 50 states to spread awareness about the importance of living organ donation. He’s competed in approximately 20 states so far, and he’s signed up for more — although he knows his surgery date, which is still to be determined, could alter his plans.

McCartney, 39, said the kidney donation didn’t slow him long-term, and he doesn’t expect the liver donation to do so, either.

“If you don’t overpush it and don’t lift more than you’re supposed to, the recovery is pretty cake,” he said. “Just pay attention to the ones who went to school who actually know what they’re talking about.”

McCartney, who lives near Crawfordsville, said the liver donation process has required more medical tests and appointments than the kidney donation, and he expects the recovery process to take a bit longer, too.

“When you do a kidney (donation), you really just need to know which is the best of the two so you can keep the best one. The other one goes to the recipient,” he said. “But with liver, you need to know where all the valves are and where all the ducts are at. It regenerates within six to 12 weeks, so in a year it’s like you never lost it.”

Because he expects to miss work for an extended time period, McCartney approached his employer — the City of Carmel — about adding paid leave for living donors to its benefits plan. At the March 20 Carmel City Council meeting, the council unanimously approved the policy, a late addition to the agenda, on first reading, in time for it to take effect before McCarntey’s donation.

McCartney, who works for the city’s street department, said the paid leave policy gives him additional peace of mind heading into the operation. In 2018, co-workers gave some of their vacation days to McCartney so he could take enough time off to

“If I want to take on this task myself, I should not be asking for someone else to help me, because maybe they don’t feel like I do about that,” McCartney said. “Now you don’t have that problem.”

City councilor Sue Finkam, who previously worked for the Indiana Donor Network, co-sponsored the ordinance with Councilor Tim Hannon. She said less than 1 percent of the city’s workforce is likely to ever make a living organ donation, so the financial impact to the city to add paid leave is minimal — but the impact on someone in need of a donation is huge.

“We didn’t want to have financials be the reason someone didn’t choose to donate to save a life,” she said.

McCartney said he was inspired to become a liver donor after meeting others at a conference who had made a kidney and liver donation. He describes himself as “purpose-driven” and feels if he’s going to encourage others to consider liver donation, it should be something he’s done himself.

“(After the donation), I can say I’ve done the work,” McCartney said. “Now I can spread the joy, as opposed to just spreading the joy without the work.”

Follow McCartney’s journey on Instagram: @Kidneyfarmer765. Learn more about organ donation at unos.org.

David McCartney competes in an ultramarathon to raise awareness for living organ donation. (Photo courtesy of David McCartney) fully recover from the kidney donation.

For Carmel business, it’s in the (tarot) cards

By Jeff Decker news@currentincarmel.com

Audrey Bridgeman doesn’t need tarot cards to see her clients having a positive experience when she performs a reading.

PROFILE

“I’ve never had a single person walk away upset,” said Bridgeman, a Carmel resident. “People leave looking lighter, kind of bouncing away. It’s such a joy.”

Bridgeman, who grew up in Amo in Hendricks County, said she has been reading tarot cards — in which practitioners utilize a deck of cards to gain insight into past, present and future situations — all her life. Her mother and grandmother were professional card readers. Bridgeman said she views tarot card reading as a passion and calling.

In November 2021, it also became a business. Bridgeman — an established multimedia entertainment director, producer and writer, as is her husband, Jarrod Bridgeman — set up a website and began operating as Carmel Tarot. She performs individual readings at an agreed upon location or via Zoom and is available to work parties such as wine nights and bridal showers. Some clients use her services regularly, including daily and monthly.

The goal in each interaction with a client is to help them gain insight into situations they might be dealing with, past or present, or address apprehension they might be having about the future. Bridgeman wants her clients to be at ease so she can facilitate finding what they are looking to take from the experience. As she says on her website, “Like most of life, you’ll get out what you put in.”

“I hope they take away confirmation of thoughts, feelings, inclinations they were already having about choices or changes in

their life,” she said. “Everyone has intuition. You don’t really need a tarot card reader. You don’t need a psychic.”

But having a reading, even if you are a skeptic (Bridgeman estimates 95 percent of her clients are eager and open to the experience), cannot only be revealing and cathartic but entertaining, a point Bridgeman stresses on her website. That’s especially true if she works a party or event and involves costumes and props.

Stressing the entertainment value also serves as a sort of license for those who might be on the fence about tarot card readers or nervous about the situation to roll with it and enjoy the experience.

“There’s a little bit of theater to it,” she said. “Then we get down to the work of reading the cards.”

Bridgeman said she has offered an intro ductory special of $50 an hour for individual readings because, “It’s important to know if I can click with them and they click with me.” Depending on location, a reading at a party or event is typically $300 for four hours.

Learn more at CarmelTarot.com.

DISPATCHES

Women of Vision luncheon — The 19th annual Women of Vision luncheon will be held April 27 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. Without Borders Boutique, Bash Boutique and Carolyn’s Corner Gift Shop will be in attendance to showcase their new spring clothing lines. Shopping begins at 10:30 a.m. with lunch and the program following at 11:30 a.m. featuring speaker Amy Dee. Register by visiting donate.riverview. org/23WomenofVision.

IMCU donates to IWIN — Indiana Members Credit Union members recently presented a check for $10,000 to the Indiana Women In Need Foundation as part of its Cancer Awareness Debit Card Program. IWIN Foundation was the selected beneficiary for the past year, receiving a contribution for each signature-based transaction made with this card from March 2022-February 2023. Learn more at imcu.com.

Audrey Bridgeman, right, performs a tarot card reading. (Photo courtesy of Audrey Bridgeman)

New Name, Same People and Ser vice You’ve Known for Years

Expert explains worker shortage

By Edward Redd edward@youarecurrent.com

An executive with a labor market analytics firm says employers need to focus on attracting workers and help employees build on existing skills.

EVENT

That was the message from Mindi Woodson, senior vice president of Lightcast, a company headquartered in Boston, Mass., and Moscow, Idaho, who spoke during Invest Hamilton County’s State of the Workforce Event March 24 at the Bridgewater Club in Westfield. The event provided attendees with an insight into the state of local employment and its projected growth, challenges and how employers can adapt.

Woodson told those in attendance about factors that impacted the labor crisis before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Woodson also spoke about the workforce dating back to the 1970s, saying that it doubled as more women sought employment.

“All the competition led to baby boomers going to college to get degrees at a much higher rate than ever before. They worked really hard and made a lot of money,” Woodson said.

However, she said around 2002, the upward trend peaked as many baby boomers retired, while at the same time millennials

started entering the workforce in a different way. That resulted in the workforce shrinking faster than it was growing, she added.

“The millennials are the babies of the boomers. The millennials saw their parents working really hard and not spending time at home with their families. The millennial will choose flexibility over money,” Woodson said.

Moreover, Woodson said COVID-19 prompted people 55 and older to retire early. Millennials are working differently than baby boomers did, and the youngest workers are not working, she added.

Today, the U.S labor force is challenged with demand for employment outpacing work population growth, according to Woodson. Since 2011, youth in the labor force has dropped by 9,000 per year, according to Woodson.

“We need to add 2 million additional workers a year to keep up with that demand,” Woodson said.

Woodson said there are 5.3 million more job openings than available workers. The number of missing workers gives her confidence that the state of the workforce can be improved.

“Think about ways you can make it easier to get the people who want a job and cannot get a job,” Woodson said.

LUNA partnering with county

By Matthew Kent matthew@youarecurrent.com

Hamilton County has partnered with LUNA Language Services to provide interpretation and professional translation services.

discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funds, which includes service to persons with limited English proficiency.

LANGUAGE

The subscription service will allow Hamilton County employees to contact a native linguist to help translate for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Rushforth

“Our community is changing and we’re serving more immigrants, refugees, and non-native speakers,” said Steven Rushforth, safety and risk manager for Hamilton County. “We want to ensure we can provide top-notch service to our entire community regardless of fluency in the English language.”

The service will also help the county meet requirements for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, officials said. Title VI prohibits

LUNA provides services in more than 200 languages, including American Sign Language. It estimates more than 100 different languages are spoken in different dialects in Indiana alone.

The on-demand service will provide county employees with an interpreter over video or phone as needed.

“LUNA even offers industry-specific language expertise in a wide range of professional topics,” Rushforth said. “For example, our nurses at the health department will now have access to a translator with medical knowledge to avoid confusing, and potentially harmful communication errors. The same goes for others dealing with legal documents.”

MHM (Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.) is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, and works closely with CBIZ, a business consulting, tax and financial services provider. CBIZ and MHM are members of Kreston International Limited, a global network of independent accounting firms.

VIEWS

Mayor endorses Rider as successor

Commentary by Mayor Jim Brainard

When I announced not to seek reelection as your mayor, it was my intention to not become involved in the Republican primary election. Carmel voters are aware of the guiding principles and ideas that have helped our city achieve success and will elect the right person to lead our city into the future. Based on statements, however, by the candidates and many requests from voters as well as the importance of choosing the right mayor, I have decided at this time I will make a public endorsement.

ELECTION

I am endorsing Kevin “Woody” Rider in his campaign for mayor in the upcoming Republican primary election. The reasons are based on statements made by the candidates in the current campaign and the importance of protecting our city’s future. The upcoming Republican primary election could dramatically change the direction of our city and reverse the progress we have made as a community. This is not an option I believe Carmel voters want. As chief

executive of Carmel, the next mayor will be responsible for hundreds of city employees and an annual budget approaching $200 million. It is a serious and important position that needs to be done by a competent and experienced leader.

There is one candidate running for mayor that has demonstrated a long-term commitment of service as a leader on our city council. When the city needed leadership on the planning commission and redevelopment commission, Kevin Rider stepped up and gave years of service, essentially as a volunteer, on those commissions. He has given hours and days of service, learning the laws and regulations that have allowed our city to grow to the example we enjoy today. Kevin Rider has proven his commitment to Carmel and earned my trust and vote.

READERS’ VIEWS

Finkam dedicated to public safety

Editor,

After conducting a poll of our members, Carmel FOP Lodge 185 is proud to announce the endorsement of mayoral candidate Sue Finkam in the upcoming Republican primary election.

The men and women in law enforcement put their lives on the line to ensure our communities remain protected. The police officers protecting the City of Carmel are some of the finest in the nation. The efforts

of these officers have had a direct impact on the City of Carmel being named the safest and best place to live in America. Sue Finkam has proven herself to be a friend, partner and advocate for our members. We are encouraged by her tireless dedication to public safety and know she will continue to make safety a top priority for the City of Carmel.

Matthew Broadnax, vice president, Carmel FOP Lodge 185

Council ignored Legacy constituents

Editor,

The city council recently approved the first rental home community within Carmel. It is in our backyard in the Legacy community. We fought against it, but ultimately the plan was approved by the council. They completely scrapped the agreement we made in 2019 and allowed the developer to drastically alter the PUD.

There is not a single benefit to any homeowner within the Legacy community for this project to happen. In fact, it can only

produce detrimental problems for our community. We don’t want this. It only benefits a developer.

Remember when you vote, that people like Jeff Worrell and Woody Rider approved this project, as they have many others that benefit wealthy developers. In my experience, they do not have the best interest of the citizens in mind and ultimately do not care what you think.

Andrew Potts, Carmel

Mother Nature can be a real mother. Especially when it comes to roofs. That’s why you should consider a roof that stands the test of Father Time. Bone Dry. We’ve been around for over 30 years because we install roofs that last just as long. Nothing weathers the weather quite like a Bone Dry roof.

Jim Brainard has been mayor of Carmel since 1996.

Assessing value of AI wisdom

Commentary by Terry Anker

The Pursuit Institute Programs Focus on Our Earth

“Earth Month” started as a movement to resist the abusive consumption of leaded gas the 1960s. Since its inception, each April is designated as an opportunity to be proactive and environmentally conscious. It seems fitting that with “Earth Month” upon us that we share some of the innovative and collaborative high school programs that are being afforded to students in the upcoming school year, which focus on the Earth, our environment and agriculture.

The Pursuit Institute has developed four programs in partnership with Conner Prairie Living History Museum that focus on exposing students to the natural world around us through hands-on educational opportunities. Each of these programs are designed to introduce students to environmental issues and interdisciplinary techniques for addressing environmental problems. Students will make new intellectual and emotional connections to the world around us as they explore current environmental challenges through scientific, social, economic, philosophical, ethical and political perspectives.

issues and viable solutions. Students will explore and engage with our local environment and learn more about the world of agriculture, horticulture, plant and animal science, and landscape and turf management. These programs are designed to give students hands-on opportunities to clarify and refine their career interests, as well as assisting in cultivating opportunities to define college majors, and future career options.

Carrie Lively, Executive Director, The Pursuit Institute

Hands-on field experiences, such as investigating water samples and aquatic microorganisms, measuring and monitoring plant and animal growth and maturity, and testing and applying theories of plant sustainability, will open students’ eyes to a whole new view of the environment and develop understanding of the interconnected complexities of our society and the world at large.

Programs offered in conjunction wth Conner Prairie Living History Museum for 2023-24 include:

• AGRI-SCIENCE

• HORTICULTURE

• LANDSCAPING

• NATURAL RESOURCES

Most of us find our inboxes filled every day with offers, newsletters, promises and threats, nearly always unsolicited, from folks we’ve not heard of and don’t know. “The nation’s leading dietician recommends this tree bark to melt fat,” shouts the headline. Maybe, but probably not. Regardless, we find ourselves confronted with claims to be sorted. This week, a dear friend, unknown until now, named Hadley, urged reading of her recent study that discovered that 1 in 3 good Hoosier workers fear that artificial intelligence, or AI, will take their jobs. While Hadley insinuates that the closeness of our imagined friendship is all that is required to establish her expertise, a reasonable person might question the veracity of her findings.

Still, AI is worthy of further consideration. While it is likely premature to prepare “Terminator” movie-style for the coming hordes of occupying machines, we can see clearly that many of the mundane human tasks of a generation ago have already been supplanted by “smart” devices. Automobiles do

not require tuning, and long-distance telephone calls occur without the intervention of an operator. Good. Rather than lament the emerging technology as cataclysmic, is there a path to its use that benefits those of us who might be replaced? Could this column have been written by a smart bot? Probably, and some will assert that it would be better. Would it follow then that some AI “writer” might build a following and celebrity? Would we send letters of praise and criticism? Or would we recognize that arguing with an algorithm is unlikely to advance humankind?

If so, does the human element remain essential? Can AI, with all the data in the known universe, come to “feel”? Will it know fear, hope, longing, pride or envy? Will it teach us how to swim yet never touch the water?

Terry Anker is an associate editor of Current Publishing, LLC. You may email him at terry@youarecurrent.com.

It’s been a hard day’s night

Commentary by Danielle Wilson

Students will be immersed in an active, collaborative and transformational educational experience with a primary goal to engage students to help them understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental

To learn more about these programs and others offered through The Pursuit Institute, scan our QR code. There is still time to register for these programs for the 2023-24 school year. Talk to your school counselor today!

To learn more about The Pursuit Institute, visit thepursuitinstitute.org

HUMOR

Friends, most of you know that I am not a night person, nor even really an evening one. My ideal dinner time is 5 p.m., with bed around 8 p.m. If I can’t adhere to this schedule, let’s just say I degrade rapidly. And if sleep deprivation is already in the house, well, god help you all.

Such was the case recently when I headed over to a fancy steak restaurant with my sisters-in-law to celebrate one of their milestone birthdays. I’d slept terribly and was running on cheese sticks and willpower when I showed up for the 6:30 reservation. We had to wait another 20 minutes to be seated before receiving notably slow service and didn’t place our orders until 7:30. Seven. Freaking. Thirty. Can you feel my pain? See preferred timeline above. I could sense myself becoming more withdrawn from the conversation, falling into a familiar flight or fight space where

I’m trying to calm my panic and figure out a polite way to bail. Should I tell the truth and leave? Is that rude? Should I suck it up and persevere? It’s her birthday! Ugh. Oh, lord, what if they want dessert?

Ultimately, I pulled it together and stayed to split the check. But the lateness of the meal and the day was simply too much. I stomped into the house at 9:30, growled at my husband, Doo, and grumpily hit the sack, wearing full-eye makeup and a cloak of bitterness.

Anyhoo, this is why I’d rather eat an afternoon frozen pizza on the couch and then make my way to bed before dark. Everyone’s happy, no one gets hurt. Peace out.

Danielle Wilson is a contributing columnist. You may email her at info@youarecurrent.com.

I could sense myself becoming more withdrawn from the conversation, falling into a familiar flight or fight space where I’m trying to calm my panic and figure out a polite way to bail.

— DANIELLE WILSON

All dad jokes aside …

Commentary by Dick Wolfsie

father.”

And now, a 100 percent true story of how I really did humiliate Brett some 30 years ago.

HUMOR

A British researcher has come up with a fascinating theory. His premise is that when fathers tell dumb jokes and lame puns, it prepares their kids to deal with awkward circumstances, giving them a little experience in life with embarrassing and demeaning situations. So, were the jokes I told my son bad, and if so, was that a good thing?

I called Brett, who is now an adult, to share the story I had just read.

“Brett, it’s Dad. I need to tell you something.”

“Geesh, Dad, I’m 35 years old. Not another juvenile joke!“

“That’s just what I was hoping you’d say. I read an article that claims my telling dumb jokes to you when you were a kid helped you grow into a well-adjusted adult.”

“It’s true, Dad. I never thought you were funny, but reacting to your lame puns really did help me deal with other awkward experiences down the road.”

“Brett, that is exactly what the British psychologist said. Are there any jokes that were particularly bad that might have really led you to a more productive and satisfying life?”

“Well, I remember one about the duck who walked into a pharmacy and said, ‘I need some lip balm, and you can put it on my bill.’ Now, Dad, that’s just a dreadful joke. I found it demeaning and insulting for both of us.”

“Thank you so much for saying that. How lucky you were to have such a humorless

Brett was in the fourth grade, and I was doing field reporting for WISH-TV. The Broadway show “Cats” was playing at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and I thought it would be fun to have the makeup artist apply the same cosmetics on me as she did for the actors in the show. The process took quite a while. When I looked at myself in the mirror some two hours later, it was bizarre feeling like my normal self but staring at a cat in the reflection. That’s when I had an idea. I would go to my son’s class and surprise the kids with my new feline face. When I reached the school, I checked in to the main office, explained my plan and made my way to Brett’s room. After getting the teacher’s attention through the tiny side window and identifying myself, I slithered in through the door.

The kids went wild — screaming, laughing, meowing. “Who is it?” asked one kid in the front row. No one knew who I was, of course, with one notable exception.

From the back of the room came my son’s voice dripping in embarrassment, “Probably my father.”

Letters to the editor: Current Publishing will consider verifiable letters of up to 150 words. Letters must be thoroughly vetted prior to submission. Current retains the right to reject or return any letter it deems to carry unsubstantiated content. Current also retains the right to edit letters, but not their intent. Send letters to info@youarecurrent.com. Writers must include a hometown and a daytime phone number for verification. Guest columns: The policy for guest columns is the same as the aforementioned, but the allowable length is 240 words. Guest columns should address the whole of Current’s readership, not simply special-interest groups, and may not in any way contain a commercial message.

Dick Wolfsie is an author, columnist and speaker. Contact him at wolfsie@aol.com.

When I looked at myself in the mirror some two hours later, it was bizarre feeling like my normal self but staring at a cat in the reflection.

— DICK WOLFSIE

UIndy professor’s Faulkner-inspired piece to debut at CSO Masterworks concert

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Composer John Berners’ admiration for author William Faulkner inspired a piece called “In Rowan Oak.”

‘AN AMERICAN IN

PARIS’

“An American in Paris” runs through May 14 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. For more, visit beefandboards.com.

‘THE SPITFIRE GRILL’

MUSIC

“I wanted to write a dramatic, new romantic-kind of Gothic-sounding piece,” said Berners, a Greenwood resident and music professor at the University of Indianapolis. “The title came after I was already working on music. But Faulkner is described as a Southern gothic writer, and his books are all set in Mississippi in the early 20th century. There’s lots of tension in that society, for sure. There is a tragic aura hanging over everything, and that does match the music. I named the piece after his home in Oxford, Mississippi.”

Berners wrote the original piece for a chamber orchestra.

“I reworked the whole thing for a full symphony orchestra,” Berners said. “I tore out half of it and replaced it, so all of it has been rewritten. It’s not really the same piece anymore, even though the title is the same and some of the themes are the same. It was pretty much comparable to writing a whole new piece.”

The world premiere of the composition will be included in Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 5 concert at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel.

Berners is married to CSO principal flute player Tammy Thweat.

“I heard John’s music online and was immediately attracted to it,” CSO Artistic Director Janna Hymes said. “There is an angular, percussive sound to it with a compelling result.”

Berners wrote the original piece more than 12 years ago.

After talking with Hymes, Berners decided to expand the piece to include a full brass and percussion section.

“So that became my summer project of 2022,” he said. “The original piece had things that Janna liked and things I liked,

so I didn’t want to just discard it. I wanted to rejuvenate that material. We made it bigger, and we think it will have more drama to it with the full orchestra and the huge concert hall because it is gothic music.”

Hymes said she loves premiering new works.

“There is always an excitement about playing a world premiere, a piece that has never been played before as there are no expectations or comparisons to other performances,” Hymes said. “It’s always a treat to work with living composers.”

Cellist Sterling Elliott will be a special guest at the concert, performing on selections from Camille Saint-Saens and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

“Sterling is an amazing young man,” Hymes said. “At 23, he is mature, calm and has an extremely warm heart. His playing is spectacular with a depth and sophistication beyond his years. This will be our third time working together. I just performed with him in a concert in Arizona and he was brilliant.”

Hymes said Elliott possesses tremendous charisma.

“I know our audience is going to fall in love with this young musician and his extraordinary abilities,” she said.

Elliott learned to play the cello at age 3 and made his concerto debut at age 7. He is a student at New York’s Juilliard School of Music

For more, visit carmelsymphony.org.

Main Street Productions will present “The Spitfire Grill, a musical, will run from April 13 to 23 at the Basile Westfield Playhouse. For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

MARC COHN & SHAWN COLVIN

Marc Cohn and Shawn Colvin will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 13 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

ABILENE

Abilene will perform at 8 p.m. April 15 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

‘HOLLYWOOD

MUSICAL MAGIC’

Indiana Wind Symphony’s “Hollywood Musical Magic” concert is set for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. For more, visit thecenterpresents.org.

DISPATCHES

Celebrate Opera Day is set — Indianapolis Opera is encouraging fans to participate in Celebrate Opera Day April 19 to play opera, post about opera, talk about opera, and support opera. The Indianapolis Opera’s Facebook and Instagram will provide updates, feature short videos, opportunity to compete in contests and win prizes. Fans are encouraged to watch #CelebrateIndyOpera and share favorite operatic moments with the Indianapolis Opera For more, visit indyopera.org.

Son to discuss artist Nancy Noel documentary — Alex Noel Kosene will speak April 13 at The Bluffs of the Chinese House at Conner Prairie in Fishers. The speaker is a filmmaker whose forthcoming documentary is about his late mother, famed artist, Nancy Noel, whose studio was in Zionsville. The Contemporary Club of Indianapolis event begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and viewing of N.A. Noel Gallery works.

Elliott

John Berners’ reworked his piece “In Rowan Oak” for a full orchestra. The piece will make its world premiere at Carmel Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks 5 concert April 22 at the Palladium. (Photo courtesy of CSO)

NIGHT

DAY

‘Air’ a slam-dunk behind-the-scenes story

Commentary by Julieanna Childs

“Air” is a great American sports story about the unconventional team behind the rise of the Air Jordan brand.

MOVIE REVIEW

It was 1984. “The A-Team” was a hit with TV audiences, Cyndi Lauper and Run DMC occupied the airwaves, Cabbage Patch Dolls made every girl’s Christmas list, and Larry Bird, Moses Malone and Magic Johnson dominated the NBA.

Adidas and Converse captured most of the sports shoe market, while Nike had only 7 percent of the industry’s sales.

Directed and produced by Ben Affleck, “Air” is an inspiring story about the pressures of risking it all. Matt Damon, who also serves as a producer on the film, plays Sonny Vaccaro and is tasked with delivering a much-needed boost to Nike’s floundering basketball division. Relying on instincts, he decides to bet everything on then-rookie Michael Jordan, the third-overall pick in the

ISO’s concert series set

editorial@youarecurrent.com

1984 NBA draft.

In competing for Jordan’s attention, Vaccaro builds a relationship with Deloris, played by EGOT winner Viola Davis, the mother who negotiated the unprecedented deal that changed the world of sports marketing forever. The casting of Davis, the story’s central character, was Michael Jordan’s idea.

The talented cast also includes Jason Bateman, Chris Tucker, Chris Messina, Marlon Wayans, and Ben Affleck as Phil Knight,

Nike’s CEO.

“Air” breaks all the rules in an entertaining and heartwarming story for sports and movie fans alike.

MUSIC

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Conner Prairie announced April 4 the 2023 season of Kroger Symphony on the Prairie starting June 23 at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre in Fishers.  Tickets to the general public will go on sale April 11 on the ISO website. Tickets can also be purchased at central Indiana Kroger stores, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre Box Office at 45 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, or by calling the box office at 317-639-4300. A new feature this year is those purchasing tickets to three or more concerts automatically receive a 10 percent discount, with no code needed. The discount is calculated at checkout.

The schedule is as follows (*denotes concerts featuring the ISO):

*June 23-24: The Music of Harry Potter with conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez.; *June 30-July 3: Star-Spangled Symphony, patriotic celebration, complete with fireworks. Featuring Conductor Alfred Savia and vocalist Vanessa Thomas;;*July 7-8: “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” in concert featuring the ISO led by former ISO Assistant Conductor Jacob Joyce. The original film will be shown on the large screens as the orchestra performs the soundtrack. Program starts at 8:30 p.m.;  *July 14-15: Arrival from Sweden: Music of ABBA with Everly leading the ISO; *July 21-22: Broadway under the Stars. Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly leads a performance of Broadway favorites featuring vocalists Victor Robertson, Katie Swaney, AshLee Baskin, and Jim Hogan; July 28-29: Face2Face: A Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel; Aug. 4: Greatest Love of All: A Tribute to Whitney Houston (not associated with the Estate of Whitney Houston); Aug.

5: Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Band; Aug. 11: The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute; Aug. 12: Here Come the Mummies with Rock E Bassoon; Aug. 18: Marshall Tucker Band.; Aug. 19: Unforgettable Fire: U2 Tribute Show; Aug. 25-26: One Night of Queen with Gary Mullen and the Works; Sept. 1: Aeromyth: The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute Experience; Sept. 2: Pyromania: The Def Leppard Experience; Sept. 3: Voyage –The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band. For more, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org.

IWS’s Hollywood concert set

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

The Indiana Wind Symphony is going back to the movies for its next concert.

Earlier this year, the IWS performed a tribute to film composer John Williams.

The “Hollywood Musical Magic” concert set for 6:30 p.m. April 16 at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel and will feature Williams along with other famous composers such as Max Steiner, Meredith Willson, Bernard Herrmann and Ennio Morricone.

phony’s principal oboe player, will be the featured soloist on Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” from “The Mission.”

The concert’s guest conductor Todd McCready had served as the director of concert bands at Fishers High School for eight years, and 14 years overall in the Hamilton Southeastern Schools district. He is now a project management consultant with BCforward in Indianapolis.

McCready

“It’s going to be a wide range,” IWS musical director Charles Conrad said. “We’re going to hit some big early film scores like ‘Gone with The Wind,’ ‘Citizen Kane’ and “The Wizard of Oz.’”

Conrad said the concert will include a piece from “Lawrence of Arabia,” a 1962 film.

“Then we’ll do some more recent ones like ‘The Mission,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Cowboys’ and ‘Titanic,’”

Fishers resident Ellen Huckabee, the sym-

“All the film scores on this concert are fun, but I am probably looking forward to the ‘Suite from Titanic’ by Jari Villanueva,” McCready said. “It’s a 15-minute, four-movement suite that includes a whole range of memorable music from the movie, and of course it ends with ‘My Heart Will Go On.’ The band sounds great, and I’m honored to get to work with them on this concert.”

McCready also is conducting a piece from “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.”

Conrad said he is intrigued by Hermann’s “Citizen Kane” overture, which he didn’t remember.

For more, visit Indianawindsymphony.org.

James set for Feinstein’s shows

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Vocalist Morgan James’ recent albums have featured a classic soul sound. But she said as a 1990s kid, she wanted to return to her rhythm and blues roots.

CONCERT

James released the album “Nobody’s Fool” March 31 and has embarked on a tour in support of it. James is set to perform at Feinstein’s at 7:30 p.m. April 14-15 at Hotel Carmichael in Carmel.

James’ first studio album, “Hunter,” featured R&B music.

“We’re returning a little bit to the R&B sound after making two back-to-back classic soul records,” James said. “We brought in more of those ‘90s flavors. The songwriting, the singing and the background vocals and all that is still what my fans know and love, but we’ve brought in more of the R&B flavors. It’s been amazing to sing some of the songs from ‘Hunter’ and some of the songs from my other albums on this tour as well because they go really well together. So, it’s nice to integrate all the albums.”

James said she is excited to make her debut at Feinstein’s in Carmel. She has performed in Feinstein’s clubs in New York and San Francisco.

James said the set will be varied.

“We do a couple of fan favorites as well as covers people know and love,” James said. “We’re going to do a couple of songs from each of my albums. I think there is something for everybody.”

James co-wrote most of the songs with husband Doug Wamble, who also produced and arranged the album. The sole cover on the album is Jeff Buckley’s “Everybody Here Wants You.” Wamble also accompanies James on guitar on tour.

James said the two-month tour is the longest headlining tour she has ever done.

“I definitely like to tell people what some of the songs are about or why we wrote them,” James said. “I think that is the benefit of playing listening rooms is that people want to hear personal stories. I definitely tell several of those.”

For more, visit feinsteinshc.com

James

Director’s fondness for ‘The Spitfire Grill’ heats up again

By Mark Ambrogi mark@youarecurrent.com

Brenna Whitaker has a lasting connection to “The Spitfire Grill.”

Women

with Amy

| April 27,

us to hear from master storyteller and brilliant comedian,

.

MUSICAL

“I love the show,” Whitaker said. “I was in it (as Shelby) and vocally directed it 10 years ago (at the Belfry Theatre). It has stayed in my head the last decade, so I was thrilled to be a part of it again.”

Whitaker will direct Main Street Productions’ presentation of “The Spitfire Grill,” a musical, April 13-23 at Basile Westfield Playhouse.

Whitaker was originally slated to be the vocal director, but when the director had to withdraw, she took on both duties. This is the first time the Noblesville resident has directed with Main Street Productions.

“There aren’t any songs that you want to skip because it’s just lovely music,” Whitaker said. “I always love a small-cast musical. There are seven members in the cast. You bond in a way that is really remarkable with a smaller cast. I think that every character has such an interesting arc that they go through. For me, it’s just such a lovely story of redemption and second chances. It has stuck with me, and when I saw that it was on the schedule, I wanted to be a part of it.”

The musical is based on the 1996 movie. Westfield resident Chrissy Crawley plays the role of Percy Talbott, who was just released after serving five years for manslaughter. She sees a photo of Gilead, Wis., in and old travel book in prison and decides that would be a good place for a fresh start.

“Every character is trying to take a step forward and figure out who they are, change and continue to grow,” Whitaker said. “It’s the story of rebirth and starting over for everyone, not just Percy.”

Crawley said Percy shows up and thinks she might have made a mistake because people aren’t nice to her and gossip a lot.

“She thinks, ‘Did I make a mistake? Was this really a good place to start again?’”

Crawley said. “Then over time, they warm to her, and she grows a tight-knit little family and decides to stay long term.”

Crawley said she had never heard of the musical or the movie it was based on.

“I’ve never done a show with audio tracks before. I’ve always either had  a pianist or a small string orchestra,” she said. “So it’s kind of a learning curve for me. We have

songs and then there’s dialogue and then there’s more songs and there’s more dialogue, so the timing has to be so precise. That’s been the biggest challenge for me. I think the (lines) memorization kind of comes back to you like riding the bike.”

Crawley said she took time off because her son turned 2 in January.

“I thought I wanted to get back into (acting) now that we have things under control,” she said.

Crawley said the show is her first serious musical.

“I love all the songs in the show. They are really catchy,” she said.

This is Crawley’s first show since moving to Westfield. Her most recent performance was in “Mamma Mia!” at Civic Theatre of Lafayette in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020.

Crawley, who started singing in her school choir in third or fourth grade, performed in musicals and choir at Crown Point High School. She performed in a choir at Purdue University, where she met her husband, who also is a singer.

Georgie Teipen, Greenfield, plays Hannah, who owns the restaurant where Percy works. Like Crawley, Teipen hadn’t seen the musical before.

“I think audiences are going to be moved by it,” Teipen said. “It’s funny. It’s heart-touching. It’s about issues that face all of us and coming to a place of forgiveness. There’s lots of very meaningful songs.”

For more, visit westfieldplayhouse.org.

For questions , contact Polly Craig at pcraig@riverview.org or 317.776.7938.

Heartfelt Thanks Golf Tournament benefiting

at 317.776.7938.

From left, Georgie Teipen, Chrissy Crawley and Katelyn Maudin rehearse a scene from “The Spitfire Grill.” (Photo courtesy of Teresa Skelton)

Set a ‘screen’ for outdoor porch enjoyment

Commentary by Bill Bernard

The outdoor temperatures are slowly increasing along with our desire to spend time outside. Patios and decks are great places to enjoy the outdoors, but our unpredictable weather often limits that enjoyment. Adding a screen porch to your outdoor living space allows you to enjoy the sights, sounds and fresh air while being protected from some of the harsher aspects of our outdoor surroundings.

REMODELING

Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time on a beautifully constructed deck or patio, but there are times when I want to enjoy reading a book or eating a meal without needing to swat away the flies, bees or mosquitoes. Having a screen porch allows me to enjoy time outside without the distraction of bugs.

With the potential incorporation of amenities such as comfy furniture, rugs, ceiling fans, lighting, a television, a fireplace and radiant heaters, a screen porch can be outfitted to serve as an additional family room. For those of you who enjoy an open covered porch and for those times when nature

cooperates, your porch can have retractable screens incorporated. The screen panels can be raised or lowered as you desire. With the variety of options available to enhance the enjoyment of a screen porch, I have to place screen porches high on my list of the best outdoor living projects.

Bill Bernard works for SURROUNDINGS by NatureWorks+. He has more than 30 years of experience. For more, email aaron@choosesurroundings.com.

The addition of a screen porch enhances the comfort of this outdoor living space. (Photos courtesy of Bill Bernard)

Skip to the endonym

Don’t you love when linguistics and geography collide? No, I’m not talking about the town of Noun, Alaska, where people, places, things and ideas live in harmony; I’m talking about different names for different places. Different pen strokes for different kin folks, I suppose. And, just so you know, Noun, Alaska, is not real (although it should be).

Based on my one semester as an English major and my finalist status in the fourth-grade geography bee, I am completely qualified to cover the intersection of the two topics.

Visiting historic Jericho

Commentary by Don Knebel

We should start with the world’s tallest mountain, although it will be all downhill from here. Famously, Mount Everest was named after 19th-century Surveyor General of India George Everest. Although I can confirm Everest never climbed his eponymous mountain, legend has it that he never even set eyes on it. Mount Everest is the mountain’s exonym, while its Tibetan endonym is Chomolungma, and the Nepali endonym is Sagarmatha.

Regarding some of the world’s largest capital, their inhabitants and fellow countrymen have local names (endonyms) for them, while in the U.S. and elsewhere, we have other names (exonyms). For instance, Rome (exonym) is known locally as Roma (endonym). Russia’s capital city of Moscow (exonym) is known internally as Moskva (endonym).

TRAVEL

Today, in our continuing tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Jericho, a city with biblical significance and many historic firsts.

Jericho, with a population of about 20,000, is in the Palestinian Territories just west of the Jordan River and about 20 miles east of Jerusalem. Although located within the Judean Desert, Jericho has long been known as the City of Palms because of its lush tropical landscape, watered by underground springs. Nomads attracted by those springs founded Jericho in about 10,000 B.C., creating what many believe is the world’s first permanent settlement. In about 9,400 B.C., Jericho residents erected the world’s first city walls. A cylindrical stone tower in Jericho, built in about 8,000 B.C., was the tallest man-made structure in the world until about 2,650 B.C., when it was surpassed by the stepped pyramid of Djoser in Egypt. At 846 feet below sea level, Jericho is the lowest city in the world.

Jericho is the site of the biblical story where Joshua “fought the battle” and the “walls came tumbling down.” Most archaeologists today believe that the walls of Jericho were destroyed by an earthquake hundreds of years before the presumed time of Joshua and that Jericho was not occupied at that time. Jericho is near where the Bible says Jesus was tempted by Satan for 40 days and 40 nights before he began his ministry. The Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Temptation in the hills above Jericho, a popular tourist destination reachable by cable car, remembers that story. Jericho is

the eastern terminus of the treacherous Jericho Road leading to Jerusalem that was the setting for Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. Jericho is also the site of the story of Jesus healing the blind beggar and dining with Zacchaeus while on his way to Jerusalem for the last time.

Don Knebel is a local resident. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@ youarecurrent.com.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CARMEL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING OFFICER

Docket No. PZ-2023-00079 SE

Notice is hereby given that the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Officer meeting on the 24th day of April, 2023 at 5:15 p.m. in the Carmel City Hall Caucus Rooms, 2nd Floor, 1 Civic Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032, will hold a Public Hearing upon a Special Exception application to gain Short Term Residential Rental approval on the property being known as 2918 East 136th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46033.

The application is identified as Docket No. PZ2023-00079 SE.

The real estate affected by said application is described as follows: Tax Parcel Id. No. 17-10-1900-00-007.000.

The petition may be examined on the City’s website, through Public Documents - Laserfiche.

All interested persons desiring to present their views on the above application, either in writing or verbally, will be given an opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place.

COHEN GARELICK & GLAZIER, P.C.

By: /s/ Stephanie L. Maris Stephanie L. Maris, # 32060-64

8888 Keystone Crossing Blvd., Ste 800 Indianapolis, IN 46240 (317) 573-8888

smaris@cgglawfirm.com

Attorney for Petitioner, DBM Group LLC

Today, we’re delving into the world of endonyms and exonyms. If that sounds Greek to you, that’s because it is! Endonyms and exonyms are both toponyms, or “place names.” The suffix “-nym” translates to “name,” while “endo-” and “exo-” respectively mean “in” and “out.”

This means endonyms are place names used by people inside a place, while exonyms are those used by people outside a place. How about some examples?

GRAMMAR GUY

Commentary by Curtis Honeycutt

Monestary of the Temptation in the hills above Jericho in the Palestinian Territories. (Photos by Don Knebel)

40. Woolly mama

41. Gaucho’s lasso

43. Kind of cord

45. Barrel maker in an I-69 city?

48. Lip-puckering

49. ___ and downs

50. Mideast land

53. Analogy words

55. Sports grp. with an office on the Downtown Canal

Walk

59. Scoundrel

60. Toilets in a Dubois County city?

63. “Evita” role

64. Those opposed

65. IRT or PU, e.g.

66. Rep. rival

67. “It ___ me!”

68. French impressionist

Down

1. Genie’s home

2. Trendy berry

3. Silent assents

4. Indianapolis Opera highlight

5. ___ and outs

6. Call off

7. “Fernando” foursome

8. Mercy from a Hamilton County Court judge

9. “___ Haw”

10. Blunder

11. Cookie with the same colors as a crossword

12. Metric weight

13. Spiral shape

18. Japan’s third largest city

22. “Evita” role

23. Albuquerque college (Abbr.)

25. Suitable

26. Spy org.

27. Sent by jet

28. Competed in the Mini-Marathon

29. ___ Wednesday

30. Out-of-town fan at the Big Ten Tournament, maybe 31. Geneva’s river

32. Nicky Blaine’s smoke producer

33. Footnote abbr. 34. “Not guilty,” for one

creators

buddy

Comic Strips 4 Eye Parts

5 IUPUI Math Classes

3 Broad Ripple Restaurants

2 U.S. Neighbors

1 Indiana City Known As “Athens on the Prairie”

“bone” or “breaker”

61. “Wheel of Fortune” buy

62. US Rep. Banks

Answers on Page 31

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Stewart's SERVICES 24 Years Experience Luv the dogs

Do you have Dirty & Smelly Trash/Recycle Carts? One Time Recycle/Trash Cleaning Service Up to 2 Carts ... $75 • 3 Carts ... $85 4 Carts ... $95 Ask how to sign-up for our 6 or 12 month Cart Cleaning Services at discounted rates (Cleaning Visits every 4 Weeks) 317-508-7117

NEED HELP WITH YOUR BUSINESS? Feeling overwhelmed? A trusted small business advisor can help. * Business Planning * Management Advising * Budgeting & Cash Flow * Growth Strategies * Coaching & Mentoring * Operational Efficiencies * Project Assistance * Executive-On-Call Schedule a free 1-hour business consultation. LLC www.clearpointadvising.com info@clearpointadvising.com (317)-796-4040

Let me help give you more free time!

House Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Stamped Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Paver Cleaning and Sealing • Dock Cleaning and Sealing Give us a call at 317-490-2922 to schedule your Free Quote & Demonstration Serving, Hamilton, Marion & Boone counties • omalias.com

Contemporary Residential & Commercial JACKSON LAWN MOWING Local Family Business Father and Son 35 Years Experience Insured-References Free References 317-727-0948

• House Wash • Roof Wash • Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Stamped Concrete Cleaning & Sealing • Deck Cleaning & Staining • Fence Cleaning and Staining • Paver Cleaning and Sealing • Dock Cleaning and Sealing

before after RICK’S LAWN SERVICE Residential lawn mowing Weed eating, clean up Carmel area. Lowest rates in town 317-798-4915 Local Carmel Resident

house washing

My name is Melanie Adams-Pyle. I retired over a year ago from Medtronic Neurovascular where I called on physicians and hospitals. I now work with clients to make their lives easier so they can enjoy more free time. My services include but are not limited to the following:

 Errands and chores

 Online shopping, research & gift delivery

 Grocery/supply shopping

 Event & party planning/organization

 Work with home service providers

 Oversee home renovation projects

Trim/Remove $75 OFF Any work over $500.00 Excludes Firewood ROLL OFF DUMPSTER SERVICE CALL 317-491-3491 FOR INFO/DETAIL

 Pet care

 Holiday decorating & take down Call or text me at 317-414-7920.

GROUNDHOG STUMP REMOVAL

Professional & Economical

ARMESON LECTRIC LLC YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE! Call Dennis O’Malia 317-370-0749

VACATION PROPERTY RENTAL

Hondo’s Hideaway on beautiful, serene Bald Head Island, N.C., is a new-tomarket, exquisitely decorated 3 BR/2.5 BA in prime location. Close to beach, shopping, market and dining. Owner’s suite on first floor with ensuite bath, tile shower, dual sinks and two closets. Second floor has two bedrooms with Jack-and-Jill bath, each with private sink and tile tub/shower. Two four-passenger golf carts, bicycles and kayak. Spacious screened porch. Additional queen air bed will accommodate two additional guests. Temporary club memberships to both Shoals Club and BHI Lifestyle Club. Kitchen is fully equipped with top-of-line large and small appliances as well as every culinary necessity you would need to prepare the most elaborate meal.

Additional details and photos: https://www.bhiturtletimevacations. com/vacation-rentals/rental/6988/

STAMPS! COVERS! COLLECTING SUPPLIES!

The Indiana Stamp Club hosts its Spring Stamp Fair, April 15 & 16 at the Lawrence Community Center, 5301 N. Franklin Rd., Lawrence, Ind. Show hours: Sat. 10-5; Sun. 10-3. Free admission and ample free parking.

Contact: Tom Chastang (317) 913-9319

Email: tchas5@sbcglobal.net

Website: www.indianastampclub.org

MASKS ARE RECOMMENDED

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A SHOP TO CALL HOME?

Integrity Automotive is looking for a full time automotive technician. In business for 28 years in downtown Carmel with a solid, happy customer base and a positive, goodnatured work environment.

The best candidate is a motivated, well-organized technician with at least three years hands on experience in automotive diagnosis, problem-solving and repair. Able to interpret and apply diagnostic/repair information from computerized databases and other sources. Also able communicate clearly and effectively with your supervisor, your fellow employees and, as needed, with customers. A complete job description is available with a request to frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net.

We offer competitive pay with a Monday through Friday work week and (after 90 days) up to four sick/personal days per year and paid holidays.

Perfect for your business!

It offers top-notch features and sleek design, it’s sure to attract hungry customers. Only $60,000 obo. Contact me today! Courtney Barrett (808) 793-9200

NOW HIRING

To schedule an interview, send your resume with contact information to: frontdesk@integrityautomotive.net

40 S Rangeline Rd Carmel Indiana 46032 www.IntegrityAutomotive.net

MATH TEACHER

A math teacher at Midwest Academy will be responsible for teaching all aspects of mathematics, including fundamental and introductory algebra skills, to Middle School and High School students in a progressive environment designed for children with learning differences. This position is full time and compensation is commensurate with experience. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a child-centered mentality are essential to this position. To apply please send your resume to careers@mymwa.org

MR

WINDOW

Position involves two main responsibilities: data entry and providing exceptional customer service through phone, email and text interaction. Other responsibilities may include general office tasks, ordering, and scheduling. Part time or Full time hours available, Monday through Friday. Great work environment w/ excellent pay including bonus potential. Two years data entry and/or customer service experience required. Pay negotiable according to experience and skill level Send resume to mrwindow@mrwindowcompany.com

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE: Comics: BLONDIE, GARFIELD, LI’L ABNER, MUTTS, PEANUTS, ZITS; Classes: ALGEBRA, CALCULUS, GEOMETRY, STATISTICS, TRIGONOMETRY; Eye Parts: IRIS, LENS, PUPIL, RETINA; Restaurants: AMBROSIA, BAZBEAUX, UNION JACK; Neighbors: CANADA, MEXICO; City: COLUMBUS